Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Helping You See With Clarity
Astigmatism occurs when a patient’s cornea is irregularly shaped. In a healthy eye, the cornea is smooth and spherical, but in an astigmatic eye, the cornea is not spherical and develops a second curve, making it more oval in shape. This is an issue because the cornea is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, giving us the ability to see clearly. When the cornea is misshapen like this, the eye has two focal points, causing blurred vision and traditional contact lenses cannot fit properly. Toric contact lenses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs) are great alternatives that will help astigmatic patients see with clarity.
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
Toric contact lenses are oblong-shaped contact lenses that are custom made to fit over an astigmatic eye and correct the astigmatism. This may make them more expensive, but they work wonders for astigmatic patients who don’t want to wear prescription eyeglasses all the time.
Although toric lenses can be soft or RGP, the soft variation is the most common. Toric contact lenses are designed to remain in place when on the eye so astigmatic patients can maintain proper vision. Sometimes, a soft contact lens can rotate when the eye moves, which is especially frustrating for patients with astigmatism. If this excess movement continues with soft lenses, then rigid gas permeable contact lenses may work better.
Toric contact lenses are available as daily disposable contact lenses or long-term lenses and they may even come in different colors.
If you have astigmatism, it is crucial to find the perfect contact lenses. Although it may take more time, our Chalmette optometrist will gladly determine which contact lenses may work best for you after completing a comprehensive eye exam and consultation for contact lenses.
